It’s no secret I’ve been kind of quiet on the writing front lately and part of that is my effort at simplicity (paring back on the nice-to-have’s and focusing on the life priority list right now) but part of that is also because when you’re happy and filled with gratitude, there truly is less to *say* that I haven’t already said. And I don’t know about you, but even I grow sick of my own happy musings sometimes…let’s be real 
But during a time of year that just naturally feels like a time for gratitude, I can’t help but think of how different my life is now, vs. my very first Thanksgiving on my own, now FOUR years ago (!). I was a shell of myself, in so many ways. And while I’ve worked incredibly hard to get to where I am today, I sometimes still struggle with just how good my life is, and remaining humble and with a large dose of perspective at all times (even puppies and rainbows lose perspective sometimes, I know, you’re shocked. Not. Hehe).
So, I feel inspired to share some of my feelings on gratitude and gratitude ‘truths’ as I like to call them, in pins!
This one, by far, defines my journey over the last 4 years, not to mention the last decade+ of my life. I feel so very blessed to have M walk into my life, but also equally blessed that my ex-husband *walked out*. Every person you meet, good or bad, hurtful or loving, shapes you. For that, I am grateful.
My sisters – not only are they my best friends, when we are together, I don’t think I laugh harder, smile more, or feel happier. They are, and will always be, my priority in my life. Now, more than ever. Gratitude…is sisterhood.
I think this is something I have really grappled with in recent years, and this year, I finally feel as though I am ‘good’ with me. I like me. I love me. Imperfections and all. And to feel that way…is contagious. If I can pay that feeling forward even just a little bit day in and out, I will. Gratitude…is imperfectly perfect.
I declared 2012 the year of unseating comfort zones. And this one truly speaks to that, Driving past fear of failure, and charging towards what I am passionate about. Making my role at work MINE and shaping it. And barre n9ne? Well, I think that is just a given…it surrounds me with passion, happiness, and, well, sweat. What’s more to love? Gratitude…is taking chances.
Friendship, as we grow older, is hard to cultivate. It’s not like childhood, where your friends are basically born from who sits next to you in 4th grade…as an adult, it is incredibly hard to make new friends, and sustain the old. The friends I have now are a beautiful mix of both, a small circle of those I truly cherish. For all the laughs, the private jokes, the memories, and the bond. Gratitude is…REAL friendship.
Gratitude. Is a feeling like no other. <3
November 20, 2012 at 8:58 pm
I know I don’t need to say much, because you already know how I feel about all of this. I’m thankful to have you in my life; you are such a beautiful soul, inside and out. My life has been exponentially better with you in it. I’m proud of everything you have worked so hard for, and the life you’ve created. Happy Thanksgiving! <3
November 21, 2012 at 9:49 am
I am SO thankful for you, friend, in so many ways. My life too has felt so GOOD with you in it, and regularly, too!! You are a kindred spirit and I am so happy to share so many fun moments together
XOXO!
November 20, 2012 at 9:28 pm
i love these gratitude pins. such a a good daily reminder. and yes, i feel quiet too. But i think it’s needed. to reflect and grow.
November 21, 2012 at 9:50 am
They are good reminders! I think quietness is good, reflection and growth abound in those quiet, unspoken moments!
November 20, 2012 at 11:05 pm
Pin #3 reminds me of something I learned in one of my (new) yoga classes… sometimes we’ll chant, “Om Swayam Sresh-thaya Namaha”
Meaning: You, by nature, are already perfect (even including all of your imperfections)
As I continue to make my house *mine*, I’m planning to paint these words somewhere in my bathroom… probably above my shower. Best to be reminded of such things when we’re naked, right?
November 21, 2012 at 9:50 am
I LOVE that saying!! It gave me chills! And I think those words would be PERFECTLY placed in the bathroom, where we are literally and proverbially the most naked.
November 20, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Love these pins too, especially the one about love letting fear of failure consume you. Isn’t it funny that we feel the need to explain or apologize for being quiet on the blogging/social media front? PS I like your happy posts because your happiness is infectious.
November 21, 2012 at 9:50 am
Fear of failure CAN be all-consuming if we let it. Or we can use that to fuel us, right? I am glad you like my happy posts friend!
November 20, 2012 at 11:21 pm
when you’re quiet, you sure come back with a good one – I LOVE this post. I love the first and last especially – it is SO true that everyone is in your life for a reason, even the most difficult people. I am thankful for those as well. and friends, yes – quality over quantity, right? I am blessed to have my fair share of quality.
November 21, 2012 at 9:51 am
Aww thank you!! (and no spam this time, yay!). I am so glad you liked this post!! I feel blessed to have a fair share of quality too, the best feeling
November 21, 2012 at 6:49 am
I love this post. We have so much to be grateful for this year! So blessed to call you a friend!
November 21, 2012 at 9:51 am
We REALLY REALLY do! What a year. Love you friend, you ARE a blessing!! XO!
November 21, 2012 at 10:22 am
This epitomizes just how far you’ve come sis. I LOVE LOVE LOVE how happy, grateful, thanksful and proud you are right now. You have clawed your way back from a pretty dark time and have blossomed into a beautiful soul…an even more beautiful one than before. A soul I happen to love very much
Can’t wait to celebrate all of this with you tomorrow! LOVE YOU!
November 21, 2012 at 5:14 pm
Thank you sis, so much. It’s been a long road, but with each year, I can’t believe how different I feel. Every single time. Love you sis, and love that we are all together as a family tomorrow. XO!
November 21, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Wow that first one really spoke to me. Amazing to look back isn’t it?
November 21, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Really is!!!
November 21, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Love this post!! It’s so true that when you are happier, you have much less to say. I’ve been experiencing that with my own blog. It’s nice to just let it go, be happy and live in the moment. Great post!
November 26, 2012 at 9:51 am
So true, less to say when happy. Ironic, isn’t it? Thank you!
November 27, 2012 at 9:45 am
Amen, my friend. I love this post.
November 27, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Thank you friend! Love you!